How many player on a soccer team: Soccer rules


Updated: July 10, 2023

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Referee shows red card to soccer player

Soccer is an appealing sport. In fact, it is one of the most hyped sports ever. With dozens of soccer leagues around the globe, this is a sport that is ever-enlivening. But every sport has its own rules and regulations. And soccer is no different. Anyway, aside from the basics, the team formation rules are important. Like, how many player on a soccer team are ok. Plus, the roles of these players.

If you’ve ever watched a soccer match, you must be confused about the match direction without team knowledge. Sure, the uniforms help. But there is so much more that goes around. To properly watch a soccer match, you need to know the team player numbers and formation. So, this article is about roles and number of players on a soccer team. Moreover, you will also learn about team formation and team player roles in this article. Let’s begin!

How many player on a soccer team?

In a soccer field, there are always 22 players. That means each team has 11 players in it. Sure, these numbers are greater, but the match is never a fuss. After all, all these players are assigned roles. For example, out of these 11 players, there is one goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the rest of the ten players are outfield players. What’s more, these outfield players are divided into defensive and attacking players.

Soccer team, how many players are goalkeepers

goal keeper catches the soccer ball

Goalkeepers are the lifelines of the soccer team. Without a goalkeeper, no soccer team can exist. In fact, it is irrelevant how many soccer players are on a team if you don’t have a goalkeeper. Besides, every soccer team only needs one goalkeeper. That’s right! A single goalkeeper. 

The role of a goalkeeper is to stop the rival team from scoring a goal. They stand in front of the goal nets, and they actively stop the ball from going into it. Without a goalkeeper, a soccer team has no chance of playing, let alone winning a match.

Soccer team, how many players are attackers

The number of attackers in a soccer team depends on the playing strategy. However, the best teams have at least 4 to 5 attackers in them. In addition, attackers are also called strikers by some. These players are always at the forefront of the game. Now these attackers have the following three types:

Types of attacker players on a soccer teamRules of attacker players on a soccer team
First AttackerThese players maintain the possession. They make sure they have the ball. It is their duty to keep the soccer ball in the team.
Second AttackerThe responsibility of these players is to help first attackers get the ball. They also stop the rival team from getting the soccer ball.
Third AttackerThese players create the strategy for the first attackers to move forward. They make sure enemy players stay out of the playing line.

Now you know how many player on a soccer team are attackers and their roles! But also know that these attackers have to work together to win a match. If they are not playing together, the match will go down in flames. Additionally, attackers are always fast. They are quick players. In fact, their quick speed is what helps win a soccer match.

Soccer team, how many players are defensive

These players are responsible for helping attackers and goalkeepers alike. Further, a good defense player will make sure the attacker gets the ball. Moreover, a defense player will always try to take back the ball from a rival player before that player gets to the goal net.

As for the number, a great team will have 4 to 5 defensive players. Lastly, the number of attackers and defense players in a perfect team needs to be balanced. Without this balance, there is no chance for the team to win. 

Aside from how many player on a soccer team are playing in the field, there are substitutes. These players are extras. They take place of injured players.

How many soccer players in a team are extras? 

Injuries are common. More importantly, injuries during a sports match are more common. So, it is quite usual for a soccer player to get injured during a match. Anyway, if such a case occurs, there are always substitute players on a soccer team. These players are called extras. 

Additionally, every soccer team is allowed a minimum of 6 extra players. These players are important and trained, professional players. After all, their role is to take the place of first class players. In fact, so many times extra players have won the game for their teams.

Plus, these extra players can be goalkeepers, attackers, and defense players. Moreover, extra players can also be used if a main player is missing or fails to arrive on time. Simply, extra players are the backup plan in case a main player is unable to play in the soccer match.

How many players are on a soccer team including extras?

Including extras the number of how many player on a soccer team is near 17. This number has 11 team players and 6 extras. Anyway, there is no need to be confused by this number. After all, there are only 11 players in the soccer field during the match. The extra players are not allowed on the field unless they are needed by the team. For example, if they have to cover for a main player, only then will they step in the soccer field.

Furthermore, there are no rules that say you need a certain number of extras on the bench. However, most matches and series give a minimum and maximum number of extras allowed. Importantly, a team always names its extras before a soccer match. Besides, it is always wise to keep a minimum of 6 extra players. 

How many player on a soccer team can be kicked out during a match?

soccer players played with soccer ball

That’s right! Some players can be kicked out of the soccer match. The referee decides who to kick out with a penalty. So, if you want to know how many soccer players in a team can be taken out, the answer is 4. Additionally, the players that a referee kicks out are foul players. That means any player who tries to cheat or misbehaves can be kicked out. 

To kick out a player, the referee shows and gives a red card. A team with 4 red cards is safe to play. But if the 5th player plays foul, the match is ended by the referee. So, it is better to always play fair. Avoiding cheating and misbehavior keeps the game in fair flow. Additionally, no players are kicked out this way.

Lastly, 7 players is the minimum how many play on a soccer team. If 4 players are shown a red card, the rest of the 7 are signaled green to play. However, this decrease in the number gives advantage to the rival soccer team. If there are less than 7 players, the game does not continue. Therefore, it is important to avoid the 5th red card.

Conclusion on how many player on a soccer team are Ok

Shortly stating, every soccer team has 11 players. Furthermore, these players have the following categories and assigned roles:

  • Attackers
  • Defense Players
  • Goalkeepers
  • Extras

The minimum number of soccer players in a field can be 7. What’s more, 6 is the minimum number of extras allowed. Every player is important to the team. But any player who decides to play foul can be kicked out by the referee. Additionally, the minimum number of fouls allowed in a match is 4. The match cannot continue with more than 4 fouls because that means 6 players remain in the field. And this goes against the soccer rules of how many player on a soccer team are ok. So, keep these numbers in mind the next time you watch or play soccer.


Mason Cros Warford

Mason Cros Warford

Mason Cros Warford is a respected soccer writer known for his insightful analysis and captivating storytelling. With a deep understanding of the game and a passion for soccer, he has contributed to esteemed publications, authored acclaimed books, Mason integrity and ability to capture the essence of the sport have made her a cherished voice in soccer journalism

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